We kept walking through the woods. Neither of us really knew what to say. So we just kept moving. The memory of that creature that chased me still sent shivers down my spine. I shook my head, trying to push it away. Gifford always says that bad thoughts can ruin your whole day. But if the one person I fear most finds out what happened... I won’t sleep a wink tonight—not until my ears are ringing from the silence.
I took a deep breath to console my beating heart. “Don’t tell Mom about what—”
“What happened in the woods?” he interrupted, still holding my hand. My concern amused him.
“Yes,” I said. “I don’t want her to be mad at me.” I explained what was on my mind.
He let out a sharp laugh. “Seriously? You’re scared now?”
I shook my head, lips pressed into a pout. “Not scared. I just… I
